Phil Murphy's first official action as New Jersey governor was to sign an executive order Tuesday to support equal pay for women by barring managers in state government from asking job applicants about their previous salary.

The order is in support of equal pay for women and stretches across all public jobs, Murphy said. The Democrat argued the measure will help close the pay gap between men and women in the state.

"I am honored beyond words to take this step today," Murphy said, with his wife, First Lady Tammy Murphy, by his side.

Murphy added he "would make it state law" if lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled state Legislature sends a bill to his desk that would extend the rule to private businesses.

"This is our first executive order," Murphy said. "And that's not a coincidence."